Modular construction for enclosed theaters

ABSTRACT

A modular construction for enclosed theaters is disclosed herein. The theaters are formed by juxtaposing a plurality of mobile modular units to form viewing compartments. Each of the mobile modular units is specially equipped to provide the theater with seats, projectors, screens and the necessary comforts of modern theaters. The mobile modules are also provided with leveling jackets at the corners thereof so that the theaters can be readily constructed on parking lots, etc. Wheels are secured to the mobile modules thereby providing the necessary mobility.

United States Patent Morrison [151 3,685,220 1 Aug. 22, 1972 MODULAR CONSTRUCTION FOR ENCLOSED THEATERS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 12,992 4/1911 Great Britain ..52/143 Primary Examiner-John E. Murtagh Attorney--1-lenderson & Strom ABSTRACT A modular construction for enclosed theaters is disclosed herein. The theaters are formed by juxtaposing a plurality of mobile modular units'to form viewing compartments. Each of the mobile modular units is specially equipped to provide the theater with seats, projectors, screens and the necessary comforts of modern theaters. The mobile modules are also provided with leveling jackets at the corners thereof so that the theaters can be readily constructed on parking lots, etc. Wheels are secured to the mobile modules thereby providing the necessary mobility.

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MODULAR CONSTRUCTION FOR ENCLOSED THEATERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a modular construction for enclosed theaters. The theaters are formed by juxtaposing a plurality of mobile modular units to form viewing compartments. The mobile modules lend mobility to the theater.

Small, intimate theaters have recently gained wide acceptance. These theaters, however, require a large amount of capital to construct and a relatively large plot of ground to provide parking. If a poor location is picked, the owners are faced with the prospect of losing a good share of their invested capital.

The modular construction for enclosed theaters of this invention is designed to provide intimate viewing compartments at a reasonable cost. These units can be temporarily constructed on, for example, the parking lot of a shopping center thereby alleviating the need to provide parking and providing better utilization of existing parking space. Additionally, these theaters can be readily moved from one location to another thereby minimizing risk of loss because of poor location.

Theater operators, by utilizing this modular construction, can obtain short term leases on very favorable terms. The leasor does not charge for anticipated future value of the ground lease, yet favorably utilizes the existing value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to modular construction of enclosed theaters comprising a plurality of mobile modular units of substantially rectangular configuration in plan view detachably securable in juxtaposition. Each of the mobile modular units has a bottom, a top, and at least two wells including a front wall and a rear wall. Wheel means are secured to the mobile modular units and jack means are disposed proximate each of the corners of the mobile modular units. Seating means, projection means, and screen means are disposed in at least one of the mobile modular units, the projection means and screen means generally being disposed on opposite ends of the theater.

The principle object of this invention is to provide a theater comprised of a plurality of mobile modular units.

Another object of this invention is to provide mobile modular units so constructed as to be useful in constructing or forming a theater.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained theater which can readily be moved from place to place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE. DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular construction for a theater utilizing five mobile modular units.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the modular construction of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the modular construction of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a side view of one of the longitudinally juxtaposed mobile modular units comprising the modular construction of FIGS. l3.

tion for a theater utilizing four longitudinally juxtaposed mobile modular units.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the modular construction of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular construction for a theater utilizing three longitudinally juxtaposed mobile modular units.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the modular construction of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of one of the mobile modular units of this invention in transport position. Y

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the mobile modular unit of FIG. 10 showing the wheels in a retracted position and showing the top moved upwardly into a viewing position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the modular unit taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the modular unit taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11 showing the roof construction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, the enclosed theaters formed by the modular construction of this invention are indicated generally at 11 in FIGS. 1-3 and 6-9. The theaters 11 are comprised of a plurality of mobile modular units 12 detachably secured in juxtaposition. As shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10-12, the mobile modular units 12 are supported by wheel means 13 secured thereto. Jack means 14 are disposed proximate the corners of the mobile modular units 12 for raising and leveling the mobile modular units 12. Seating means 16, projection means 17, and screen means 18 are disposed within at least one of the mobile modular units 12, the projection means 17 and screen means 18 generally being disposed proximate opposite ends 19 and 21 ofthe theater 11 (FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 9).

More specifically, each of the modular units 12 are of generally rectangular configuration in plan view as shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 9. The modular units 12 each have a bottom 22, a top 23, and at least two walls including a front wall 24 and a rear wall 26. Generally, the modular units 12 have at least one sidewall 27. The walls are generally vertically disposed.

The bottom 22 (FIGS. 3-4 and 10-11) of the modular units 12 containing the seating means 16 is preferably formed from a rearward panel 28 and a forward panel 29. These panels 28 and 29 may be formed separately and welded together or otherwise affixed together or may be integrally formed. The rearward panel 28 and the forward panel 29, in longitudinal side view, meet at an obtuse angle'indicated at A (FIG. 4). The rearward panel 28 is normally disposed horizontally of the ground 31 and the forward panel 29 slopes upwardly therefrom.

The preferred bottom 22 for these mobile modular units 12 serves a two fold purpose. The rear seats 32 are elevated above the seats 33 in front thereof thereby allowing the patrons to more fully view the movie. Ad-

ditionally, in one embodiment of this invention, these mobile modular units 12 can be tipped forwardly, thereby raising the rearward panel 28 and the wheel means 13. When the forward panel 29 is substantially horizontally disposed, the rearward panel 28 and the wheel means 13 are raised from the ground 31. The wheel means 13 can then be readily removed and the rear panel 28 returned to the normally horizontal position resting on the ground 31. The trailer unit 12 can then be leveled with jack means 14. The forward panel 29, during removal of the wheel means 13, can be juxtaposed of the ground 31 or can be suspended above the ground by jack means 14.

The bottom 22 of the modular units 12 may also be flat as illustrated in FIG. 5. The modular units 12 utilizing a flat bottom 22 are generally utilized as entries to the theater 11 and contain projection means 17 and other necessary facilities.

The top 23 (FIGS. and 11) of the modular units 12 containing the seating means 16 preferably is formed in two panels, a front panel 34 and a rear panel 36. The front panel 34 is rigidly secured to the front wall 24 and sidewall 27. The rear panel 36 is hingeably secured to the front panel 34 and can be raised-upwardly. The rear panel 36 is securable to a panel 37 hingeably secured to the rear wall 26. The sidewall 27 and the rear panel 36 (FIG. 13) are provided with grooves 38 for receiving a generally triangular insert 39 which effectively closes the wall 27 when panels 36 and 37 are rotated to the viewing position. By utilizing this folding construction, the modular units 12 can be constructed in heights of about 12 feet for transportation purposes but can have effective viewing heights of about sixteen feet. Modular units 12 of 16 feet and more in height are difficult to transport because of bridge heights and may be illegal on certain roads and highways.

The top 23 of the modular units 12 may also be flat and integrally formed as illustrated in FIG. 5. These trailer units 12 are generally utilized as entries as before described.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, a vertical support member 40 is preferably secured between the bottom 22 and the top 23 intermediate the front wall 24 and the rear wall 26 during transportation of these modules 12. When the theater 11 is constructed, these support members 40 are removed.

Each of the modular units 12 are provided with hitch means 41 (FIGS. 4-5, 10-11) in the form of a tongue 42. The tongue 42 may be removably secured to the modular unit 12 so that the tongue 42 can be removed when the theater 1 1 is being constructed.

Wheel means (FIGS. 10 and 11) comprising an axle 43 and at least two wheels 44 are preferably secured to each of the modular units 12. The wheels 44 facilitate moving the modular units 12 from place to place and may be removable at permanent or semi-permanent sites. The wheels 44 and axles 43 may be detachably secured by any means known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the wheel means 13 is preferably retractable. The axle 43 is supported by leaf springs 46 which are rotatably secured at one end 47 to a hanger bracket 48. At the other end 49, the leaf spring 46 is supported by a hydraulic piston 50. The

piston 50 can be retracted (FIG. 11) to lower the entire modular unit 12 to the ground 31 thereby giving the appearance of a permanent building. The wheels 44 are retracted into the wheel wells 51.

Jack means 14 (FIGS. 4 and 5) are disposed proximate each of the comers 52 of the modular units 12 and, preferably are detachably secured; The jack means 14 can comprise any of the well known hydraulic jacks 53 now on the market. The jacks 53 can be utilized to move the wheel means 13 and, additionally, are utilized to level the mobile modular units 12.

The seating means 16 (FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 9) are conventional theater seats 32 and 33. The seats 32 and 33 are disposed in lateral rows within the mobile modular units 12 to face the screen means 18. Aisles 54 are provided between the seats 32 and 33 to provide access to all parts of the theater.

The projection means 17 and the screen means 18 are conventional items. The projection means 17 and comprise any of the commercially available movie projectors complete with sound equipment. The screen means 18 is a conventional movie screen 56 of a size suitable for the viewing compartment 57. The projection means 17 and the screen means 18 are, of course, disposed proximate opposite ends 19 and 21 of the theater 11.

When a plurality of mobile modular units 12 are juxtaposed in accordance with this invention, each of the outer modular units 12 (See FIG. 2, for example) has an outer side well 27 in addition to the front wall 24 and the rear wall 26. Therefore, the theater 11 is completely enclosed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the interior modular unit 12 has two partial side walls 58 and 59 but no complete side wall 27.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, five of the modular units 12 are secured in juxtaposition in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. Each of the modular units 12 has one side wall 27 in addition to the front wall 24 and the rear wall 26 and each of the modular units 12 has the same dimensions in plan view.

Four of the modular units 12 are longitudinally juxtaposed to form two separate viewing compartments 57. As shown in FIG. 3, the interior modular units 12 as well as the outer modular units 12 are mirror images of each other. Therefore, two identical viewing compartments 57 are formed. The modular units 12 are detachably secured together by conventional means (not shown) and leveled by using the jacks 53. These four longitudinally juxtaposed modular units 12 contain the seats 32 and 33 and the screen means 18. Exit doors 61 are formed through the exterior-side walls 27 proximate the rear walls 26 and exit doors 62 are formed through the front walls 24 of these modular units 12 to provide ingress and egress to and from the viewing compartments 57 to the entry 63 formed by the fifth modular unit 12.

As hereinbefore described, these four longitudinally juxtaposed modular units 12, in the viewing position, have a sloping top 23 and the bottom 22 is formed in two panels 28 and 29.

The fifth modular unit 12 (FIGS. 1-5) is longitudinally juxtaposed of the front walls 24 of the previously described four modular units 12. The fifth modular unit 12 serves as the entry 63 and contains toilet facilities 64, the projection booth 65, ticket booth 66,

and a concession stand 67. This fifth modular unit 68 mates with the exit doors 62 and is detachably secured by conventional means (not shown) to the four modular units 12.

Another exit door 69 (FIG. 5) is formed in a wall, preferably the exterior side wall 27 to provide ingress and egress to and from the entry 63 to the outside of the theater 1 l.

This fifth modular unit 68 (FIG. 5) generally has fiat bottom 22 and a flat top 23. Steps 70 are provided to facilitate access from the entry 61 to the viewing compartments 57.

The embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 is identical in many respects to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. The primary difference is that only four modular units 12 are utilized and that all four modular units 12 are longitudinally juxtaposed to form two separate viewing compartments 57 of equal size. The modular units 12 are secured together by conventional means (not shown).

The toilet facilities 64, the projection booth 65, the ticket booth 66, and the concession stand 67 are all situated in the forward ends 71 of the modular units 12. Entry doors 69 are formed through the front walls 24 of the interior modular units 12. Steps 70 may be provided to facilitate entry to the theater 1 1.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is a theater 11 comprised of three modular units 12 and a single viewing compartment 57. The interior modular unit 12 has two partial sidewalls 58 and 59. Contained between the partial sidewalls 58 and 59 at the forward end 71 of interior modular unit 12 are the toilet facilities 64, the projection booth 65, the ticket booth 66 and the concession stand 67. A door 69 providing ingress and egress to the theater 11 is also provided therein.

The three modular units 12 are longitudinally juxtaposed and secured together by conventional means (not shown). Within the single viewing compartment 57, there are no interior walls.

When the theaters 11 of this invention are constructed, electric lines are advantageously connected with available power sources. Permanent water supply is not essential as the toilets utilized can use chemical treatment and the chemical vats can be emptied on a daily basis.

Although three embodiments of this invention have been shown, it should be understood that this modular construction can be utilized to form theaters of many configurations and sizes. Other modifications can also be made utilizing these teachings without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising:

four mobile modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said four units being detachably securable in juxtaposition to form two enclosed viewing compartments;

a fifth modular unit having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said fifth unit being longitudinally juxtaposed of said front walls of said four units to form an enclosed entry;

means formed in said front walls of said four units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartments to said entry;

provide ingress and egress to the outside of said theater;

wheel means secured to each of said units;

jack means secured to said units for raising and leveling said units;

seating means disposed in said four units;

projection means disposed within at least one of said units; and

screen means disposed within each said viewing compartments in alignment with said projection means.

2. The modular construction of claim 1 wherein said four longitudinally juxtaposed modular units, in longitudinal side view, having said bottom formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel nonnally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.

3. The modular construction of claim 2 wherein said projection means are disposed within said fifth modular unit, and

said screen means are disposed in each of said viewing compartments proximate said rear walls of said four longitudinally juxtaposed modular units.

4. The modular construction of claim 3 wherein the top is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said sidewall and said rear panel being hingeably attached to said front panel, and wherein a third panel is hingeably secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and is detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position.

5. The modular construction of claim 6 wherein the top is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said sidewall and said rear panel being hingeably attached to said front panel, and wherein a third panel is hingeably secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and is detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position, and wherein said bottom of said modular units, in longitudinal side view is formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.

6. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising:

four mobile modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said four units being detachably securable in juxtaposition to form two enclosed viewing compartments;

wheel means secured to each of said modular units;

jack means secured to said modular units for raising and leveling said modular units;

seating means disposed within said modular units;

projection means disposed within at least one of said units;

screen means disposed within each said viewing compartment in alignment with said projection means; and

means formed in said front walls of said modular units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartments.

7. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising:

two spaced apart mobile modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall;

a third mobile modular unit disposed intermediate said two units and having a bottom, a top, a front wall and a rear wall;

said three units being detachably securable in juxtaposition to form an enclosed viewing compartment;

wheel means secured to each said modular units;

jack means secured to said units for raising and leveling said units;

seating means disposed in said modular units;

projection means disposed within at least one of said units;

screen means disposed within said viewing compartment in alignment with said projection means;

means formed in one of said walls in one of said modular units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartment to the outside of said theater;

said top of each said unit is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said rear panel being hingedly attached to said front panel;

a third panel hingedly secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position; and

said bottom of said modular units, in longitudinal side view, is formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontwo modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said two units being detachably securable juxtaposition to form an enclosed viewing compartment;

a third modular unit having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said third unit being detachably securable in juxtaposition of said front walls of said two units to form an enclosed entry;

means formed in said front walls of said two units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartment to said entry;

means formed in one of said walls of said third unit to provide ingress and egress to the outside of said theater;

wheel means secured to each of said units;

jack means secured to said units for raising and leveling said units;

seating means disposed in said two units;

projection means disposed within at least one of said units; and

screen means disposed within said viewing compart- 9.Pfi2$%3'df%%lll%8lff8l% w Said two longitudinally juxtaposed modular units, in longitudinal side view, having said bottom formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.

10. The modular construction of claim 9 wherein said projection means are disposed within said third modular unit; and

said screen means are disposed in said viewing compartment proximate said rear walls of said two longitudinally juxtaposed modular units.

11. The modular construction of claim 10 wherein the top is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said sidewall and said rear panel being hingeably attached to said front panel, and wherein a third panel is hingeably secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and is detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position. 

1. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising: four mobile modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said four units being detachably securable in juxtaposition to form two enclosed viewing compartments; a fifth modular unit having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said fifth unit being longitudinally juxtaposed of said front walls of said four units to form an enclosed entry; means formed in said front walls of said four units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartments to said entry; means formed in one of said walls of said fifth unit to provide ingress and egress to the outside of said theater; wheel means secured to each of said units; jack means secured to said units for raising and leveling said units; seating means disposed in said four units; projection means disposed within at least one of said units; and screen means disposed within each said viewing compartments in alignment with said projection means.
 2. The modular construction of claim 1 wherein said four longitudinally juxtaposed modular units, in longitudinal side view, having said bottom formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.
 3. The modular construction of claim 2 wherein said projection means are disposed within said fifth modular unit, and said screen means are disposed in each of said viewing compartments proximate said rear walls of said four longitudinally juxtaposed modular units.
 4. The modular construction of claim 3 wherein the top is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said sidewall and said rear panel being hingeably attached to said front panel, and wherein a third panel is hingeably secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and is detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position.
 5. The modular construction of claim 6 wherein the top is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said sidewall and said rear panel being hingeably attached to said front panel, and wherein a third panel is hingeably secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and is detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position, and wherein said bottom of said modular units, in longitudinal side view is formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.
 6. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising: four mobile modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said four units being detachably securable in juxtaposition to form two enclosed viewing compartments; wheel means secured to each of said modular units; jack means secured to said modular units for raising and leveling said modular units; seating means disposed within said modular units; projection means disposed within at least one of said units; screen means disposed within each said viewing compartment in alignment with said projection means; and means formed in said front walls of said modular units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartments.
 7. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising: two spaced apart mobile modular units, each of said units havinG a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall; a third mobile modular unit disposed intermediate said two units and having a bottom, a top, a front wall and a rear wall; said three units being detachably securable in juxtaposition to form an enclosed viewing compartment; wheel means secured to each said modular units; jack means secured to said units for raising and leveling said units; seating means disposed in said modular units; projection means disposed within at least one of said units; screen means disposed within said viewing compartment in alignment with said projection means; means formed in one of said walls in one of said modular units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartment to the outside of said theater; said top of each said unit is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said rear panel being hingedly attached to said front panel; a third panel hingedly secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position; and said bottom of said modular units, in longitudinal side view, is formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.
 8. A modular construction for enclosed theaters comprising: two modular units, each of said units having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said two units being detachably securable juxtaposition to form an enclosed viewing compartment; a third modular unit having a bottom, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and one side wall, said third unit being detachably securable in juxtaposition of said front walls of said two units to form an enclosed entry; means formed in said front walls of said two units to provide ingress and egress to and from said viewing compartment to said entry; means formed in one of said walls of said third unit to provide ingress and egress to the outside of said theater; wheel means secured to each of said units; jack means secured to said units for raising and leveling said units; seating means disposed in said two units; projection means disposed within at least one of said units; and screen means disposed within said viewing compartment in alignment with said projection means.
 9. The modular construction of claim 8 wherein said two longitudinally juxtaposed modular units, in longitudinal side view, having said bottom formed from a rearward panel and a forward panel meeting at an obtuse angle, said rearward panel normally being disposed horizontally and said forward panel sloping upwardly therefrom.
 10. The modular construction of claim 9 wherein said projection means are disposed within said third modular unit; and said screen means are disposed in said viewing compartment proximate said rear walls of said two longitudinally juxtaposed modular units.
 11. The modular construction of claim 10 wherein the top is formed from a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel being rigidly secured to said front wall and said sidewall and said rear panel being hingeably attached to said front panel, and wherein a third panel is hingeably secured to the upper portion of said rear wall and is detachably securable with said rear panel of said top when said panels are rotated to a viewing position. 